By: James A. Loyola
July 6, 2011
MANILA, Philippines — Vista Land & Lifescapes, the country’s biggest home builder, is aiming to further expand its nationwide presence through the launching of more projects in new cities and municipalities.
In an interview with reporters, Vista Land founder and Senator Manuel B. Villar said “we are now in 48 municipalities and cities. We will be in 70 municipalities by next year. So that anywhere you want to buy a house and lot, we will have one for you.”
Villar said that while Vista Land does not have a big land bank outside Mega Manila, it continues to acquire more land or enter into joint ventures with land owners to meet the requirements of its aggressive expansion program.
“We do not unnecessarily buy big lots,” said Vista Land president Benjamarie N. Serrano adding that they usually acquire lots that they can immediately use.
“We’re the only nationwide home builder. We outsell all listed companies by two to one,” said Villar adding that “we outsell the next developer by three to one’ noting that ‘they usually sell lots only while we sell complete house and lot packages.”
He explained that the strength of Vista Land’s business is because of its extensive reach. “OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) want to buy houses in their home provinces and not in Metro Manila,” said Villar.
Villar also stressed that Vista Land is distinct from most developers since it dominates the house and lot market nationwide while most developers are focused on building condominiums which only has a strong market in Metro Manila.
He said there is still a strong preference for house and lot since condominiums tend to be cramped and noisy, specially for families with small children.
